Groundwater Conditions in the Horse Creek Study Area
~ The HCWU would like to thank supporters of the project and remain committed
to continuing the water monitoring activities and the groundwater awareness
program they began in 2004. Please browse the website to learn more about the study. ~
On December 1, 2009, members of the HCWU joined with other senior water rights holders
from around the state to file a petition with the Montana Department of Natural Resources
and Conservation (DNRC) for declaratory ruling and request to amend the department's
definition of "combined appropriation" with respect to exempt wells. This action is required
in order to bring the definition into compliance with the Montana Water Use Act of 1973.
In June 2010, DNRC held a hearing in Helena to take testimony on the petiton for a Declaratory
Ruling to amend the agency's definition of "combined appropriation". On August 18, 2010, DNRC
released its Declaratory Ruling stating in part "while the current 'combined appropriation'
administrative rule definition (Rule 36.12.101 (13), ARM) is consistent and not in conflict
with the Water Use Act, Section 82-2-101 et.seq., MCA, increasing demands on water resources
in Montana warrant repeal of Rule 36.12.101 (13), ARM. The department will, within eight
months, initiate rulemaking to propose repeal of Rule 36.12.101 (13), ARM, and adoption
of a new 'combined appropriation' administrative rule definition pursuant to Section
2-4-302, MCA."
*Latest News*:
On November 8, 2010, the HCWU and other ranchers reached a settlement with DNRC. To review
the settlement, go to:
To read the petition and Declaratory Ruling, click
here.
This website is a project of the Horse Creek Water Users, Inc. (HCWU) in Absarokee, Montana.
Its purpose is to provide information on groundwater conditions in the Horse Creek
study area, formerly known as the Horse Creek Temporary Controlled Groundwater Area.
Download Settlement in .PDF format.
For current articles in the press about the petition and ruling, click below:
In February 2004, residents of the Horse Creek area, located three miles southwest of Absarokee, Montana, were granted a temporary Controlled Groundwater Area (CGWA) by the Montana Dept. of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). The resulting groundwater study described herein, is a collaborative effort between DNRC, private hydrologists and local water users. The study goal is to better understand the relationship between aquifer recharge, discharge and use so that reasonable estimates can be made for the long-term health and viability of the area's groundwater system.
Measurements are made on a monthly basis and water chemistries are taken at all sites.
Springs are checked for flow rates and wells are sounded for depth. Two monitoring wells
have full time data loggers that track discharge and recharge on a five-minute sampling basis.
Additionally, water temperature, pH and specific conductivity are measured.
This information helps hydrologists tie the water to a particular aquifer.
Flow rates are calculated by determining the length of time it takes to
partially fill a graduated flask. The quantity of water in the flask is divided by the
time recorded to give a flow measurement in gallons per minute.
Wells are sounded for depth (water level from the top). Data from the full time well loggers is
downloaded to a database. These data are the best measurements for discharge and recharge
of the associated aquifer.
Click here to go to a view of the area from space.
http://dnrc.mt.gov/wrd/water_rts/cgwa/horsecreek/default.asp
"License to drill: Stillwater County residents support groundwater ruling."
...contact us at
info@horsecreekwater.org
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